Page 26 of Summer Love

I frowned. "He didn't say. I assumed it was because he's the oldest."

Shep rolled his eyes. "Hudson always gets everything."

"You sound like a kid when you say that, you know?" Hudson told him.

"Dad's going to give you everything. Everyone knows that," Shep continued, but he didn't sound jealous or bitter, just matter-of-fact.

"What do you want?" I couldn't help but ask him.

"A little more responsibility, a stake in the business."

"I don't have to know how your business is run. Just how you interact, what makes you happy, what do you like to do in your spare time, that kind of thing. I don't think readers are interested in who's taking over the business," I said with a hand on Hudson's thigh to reassure him. When he tensed, I quickly moved my hand.

Shep wiggled his brows. "I heard there's a photo shoot."

I nodded. "That's for everyone."

"There should be a way to vote on the hottest Kingston brother," Cooper said.

"That sounds like it could cause trouble," I teased.

"Everyone knows I'd win hands down," Shep said, and the brothers argued with each other over who was the best looking. It seemed to be based on what various women had said about them over the years.

It was fun.

The waitress arrived with pitchers of beer and nachos to share.

The conversation turned away from my assignment, and I could just observe the men interact. They teased and joked with each other, but were serious when it came to their business. They clearly cared for each other and were there for each other when necessary. But the childhood camaraderie was strong.

As the night went on, the music got louder, the crowd bigger. Kinsley appeared at the table. "I'm here with the girls. Want to come out with us and dance?"

"I'm supposed to be working," I said, nodding toward the guys.

"We can all dance. Come on." Shep stood up and led the way to the dance floor.

"Are you going to dance?" I asked Hudson, not wanting to leave him alone when we'd come together.

"I'll come with you. Not making any promises about dancing."

Kinsley grabbed my hand and pulled me to where the girls were already dancing. Cooper followed us.

It was fun to let go and let my body sway to the music. The island was so much more relaxed than the scene in Boston where I would have been dressed in a tight dress and heels wherever we went.

Hudson stood with Dalton off to the side.

I gestured for him to join us.

He shook his head, and I waved him over again. When he didn't move, I danced over to him. "Come on."

"Fine." He let me lead him onto the floor where I swayed my hips to the beat, and his hands rested on my waist.

I liked having him at my back. He was big and solid, and I didn't mind everyone knowing he was with me.

Ivy grabbed Dalton and Brady, insisting that they join us.

It was nice to see everyone relax and just have fun. After a few songs, I moved off to the side with Hudson to grab another drink.

He leaned down so only I could hear. "Are you having a good time?"

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